U.S. Donates Anthrax Vaccines To Protect Ghanaians And Livestock

Rosen and partners from FAO to tour the Vaccine Production Unit of the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Pong-Tamale.In support of domestic manufacturing capacity, USAID recently purchased 100,00 anthrax vaccines from the Central Veterinary Lab to donate to the anthrax vaccination campaign.

“During our tour of the Central Veterinary Laboratory this morning, it was clear that with some automation and more investment, the lab could produce larger quantities of vaccines to meet the national market and also be exported.More vaccines means healthier animals, safer humans and potential revenue and job creation for the Veterinary Service Department,” she added.Anthrax is a serious, potentially life-threatening infectious disease that is passed from animals to humans.

A total of 97 animals died from the anthrax outbreak.

To prevent future outbreaks, yearly animal vaccination is recommended.USAID and Ghana have worked closely together to strengthen veterinary health services for close to two decades.

supported the Accra Veterinary Laboratory to diagnose Avian Influenza, allowing for a faster local response to the disease.In the past year, USAID provided approximately $105 million to Ghana’s health sector for global health security, nutrition and social protection, maternal, newborn, and child health, and more.

Effective preventive and response outbreak activities require a close collaboration between multiple sectors and Government agencies,including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Veterinary Services, the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Local Government, and the National Disaster Management Organization.About USAIDUSAID is the lead U.S.

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